?? Reflections on EXPO REAL 2024:

Zezman’s Growing Presence in the Real Estate World ???

As the advisor to CEO at ZEZMAN Holding , I had the privilege of attending EXPO REAL 2024 in Munich from October 7-9. The event brought together the top minds in real estate, and I was proud to represent Zezman at such a prestigious gathering. What stood out to me the most was the level of interest and enthusiasm Zezman garnered from participants, both for our ongoing projects and our forward-thinking approach to urban development.

Here are some of the key insights and trends that caught my attention:

Affordable Housing and Urban Regeneration

A recurring theme throughout EXPO REAL was the need for more affordable housing solutions. I was particularly impressed by how developers are transforming underused industrial spaces into affordable residential areas. One standout example was a former industrial site that was converted into 800 homes, with a focus on sustainability and community integration. It was clear that affordable housing is not just a challenge, but an opportunity to create more inclusive, thriving neighborhoods.

This focus on urban regeneration struck a chord with me, as it showcases how innovative development can address housing shortages while creating more livable cities.

Sustainability and Green Building Practices

Sustainability was front and center at EXPO REAL, with discussions moving beyond just energy-efficient buildings. There’s a growing emphasis on considering the entire lifecycle of a building, from construction to operation. The importance of reducing CO2 emissions at every stage was a key focus. One statistic that stuck with me was the fact that a modern building can consume as much CO2 during its construction as it does in 50 years of operation—this highlights the urgency of rethinking how we build.

The event reinforced my belief in the need for sustainable urban development, not only through energy-efficient materials but also through initiatives like green roofs, urban farms, and water management systems. It’s exciting to see how much potential there is to integrate nature into our cities in a way that benefits both people and the environment.

Adaptive Reuse: Turning Offices into Homes

The concept of adaptive reuse—converting office buildings into residential spaces—was a hot topic at EXPO REAL. In light of the housing crisis in many urban areas, repurposing commercial spaces offers a promising solution. However, the challenges, such as ensuring natural light and adapting old structures for new uses, remain significant. Yet, successful projects showcased at the exhibition prove that it’s possible with the right approach.

This idea of turning vacant offices into homes resonates with me, particularly as it offers a way to create housing without expanding the urban footprint. It’s an inspiring way to meet demand while making cities more efficient and sustainable.

Technology and Innovation Leading the Way

Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in real estate, and the solutions presented at EXPO REAL were nothing short of revolutionary. From modular construction that drastically reduces building time, to AI-driven building management systems, the future of real estate is smarter and more efficient than ever. The integration of smart technologies is not only enhancing the way buildings are constructed but also improving sustainability through better energy management and resource efficiency.

Seeing these innovations in action has sparked new ideas for how we can push the boundaries of smart urban living, blending tech with sustainability for the cities of tomorrow.

EXPO REAL 2024 left me with a deeper understanding of the trends and innovations that will shape the real estate market in the coming years. The event reaffirmed my belief that sustainability, affordable housing, and adaptive reuse are not just trends—they are essential to creating vibrant, resilient cities. I’m looking forward to exploring how these insights can be applied in future projects and how we, as a global community, can build a better, greener future.